Ranking All 30 MLB Teams on Homegrown Talent Entering 2021 Season

In an ideal world, from a club perspective, MLB teams would field an entire roster made up of draft picks and international signings that they developed through their farm system and turned into homegrown stars.

Of course, the finances of baseball and uncertainty of amateur talent make that impossible.

A small-market team is more reliant on cost-controlled, young assets to stay competitive, while big-market clubs can more readily afford to trade prospects when opportunities arise and then plug holes with free-agent signings.

Still, the in-house talent pipeline is a necessity for any team to win a title.

With that in mind, what follows is a look at how all 30 MLB franchises stack up based on homegrown talent entering the 2021 season.

Methodology

Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

A lot needs to be established before we dive into the rankings, so let's get that out of the way.

• Who qualifies as homegrown? To be considered homegrown, a player must have been drafted by an organization or signed by it as an amateur free agent and subsequently developed in its minor league system.

• What about international free agents? International players who entered the league with significant professional experience were not included. That means players such as Jose Abreu, Yuli Gurriel, Shohei Ohtani, Shogo Akiyama and Ha-Seong Kim did not help their respective teams' rankings.

Now let's explain what's included on each slide.

• Opening Day Roster: At the top of each slide is a breakdown of how many homegrown players each team has on its projected Opening Day roster, via the predictions from Roster Resource. Below that is a list of the homegrown Opening Day roster players, along with their projected WAR total for 2021. WAR projections come courtesy of the Depth Charts projections at FanGraphs.

• 40-Man Roster: That is followed by a breakdown of how many homegrown players each team has on its entire 40-man roster, including those on the above Opening Day roster list. Below that is a rundown of the players on the 40-man roster who are not projected to be on the Opening Day roster, along with their projected WAR totals for 2021.

• Projected Homegrown WAR Total: The combined WAR of all the players listed above was then totaled, with that number determining where each team fell in the rankings. A handful of homegrown non-roster players with projected WAR totals were also added, and they are noted at the bottom where applicable. In the case of a tie, the team with the most homegrown players on the Opening Day roster was awarded the higher spot in the rankings.

Included is a look at where each team fell in our 2020 rankings.

Easy enough, right? Let's get started.

30. Arizona Diamondbacks (2020 Rank: 30)

Matt York/Associated Press

Daulton Varsho

Opening Day Roster: 4/26

• C/OF Daulton Varsho (0.9), RP Kevin Ginkel (0.5), RP Alex Young (0.3), RP Taylor Clarke

40-Man Roster: 10/40

• 1B Pavin Smith (0.1), RP Riley Smith (0.1), SP Jon Duplantier, SP Luis Frias, SP Matt Peacock, SS Geraldo Perdomo

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 1.9

The cupboard is bare in terms of homegrown MLB talent for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Versatile catcher/outfielder Daulton Varsho and setup reliever Kevin Ginkel represent the best of the crop.

However, some intriguing players are rising the minor league ranks, led by high-ceiling outfielders Kristian Robinson, Alek Thomas and Corbin Carroll.

29. Miami Marlins (2020 Rank: 27)

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Brian Anderson

Opening Day Roster: 2/26

• 3B Brian Anderson (2.8), SP Trevor Rogers (1.1)

40-Man Roster: 7/40

• SP Braxton Garrett (0.5), SP Edward Cabrera (0.2), RP Jordan Holloway (-0.1), OF Jerar Encarnacion, RP Alex Vesia

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 4.5

It's not surprising to see the Miami Marlins so low on this list after the new ownership blew things up a few years ago, and many of their top prospects and exciting young MLB players were acquired in trades during that fire sale.

Outfielder JJ Bleday, hard-throwing Edward Cabrera and 2020 first-round pick Max Meyer are the best of their homegrown prospect collection.

28. San Diego Padres (2020 Rank: 23)

Denis Poroy/Associated Press

Dinelson Lamet

Opening Day Roster: 1/26

• SP Dinelson Lamet (2.8)

40-Man Roster: 10/40

• SP/RP Adrian Morejon (1.0), C Luis Campusano (0.1), SP Ryan Weathers (0.1), RP Michel Baez, SP Reggie Lawson, IF Tucupita Marcano, OF Jorge Ona, SP Mason Thompson, RP Trey Wingenter

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 5.0

It's staggering that the San Diego Padres have just one homegrown player projected for a spot on the Opening Day roster, and it speaks volumes of the job that general manager AJ Preller has done building a contender from the ground up.

Left-hander Adrian Morejon has a solid chance to join Dinelson Lamet in breaking camp with the team, filling a hybrid role in the bullpen once again. And MacKenzie Gore will inevitably push his way into the picture.

Note: Gore (1.0) is not on the 40-man roster, but he was added to the projected WAR total since he is homegrown.

27. Seattle Mariners (2020 Rank: 28)

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Kyle Lewis and Kyle Seager

Opening Day Roster: 4/26

• 3B Kyle Seager (2.3), CF Kyle Lewis (1.8), 1B Evan White (-0.1), OF Braden Bishop (-0.1)

40-Man Roster: 9/40

• SP Ljay Newsome (0.2), RP Sam Delaplane, RP Joey Gerber, RP Wyatt Mills, IF Donnie Walton

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 5.1

General manager Jerry Dipoto has cycled through players at a blistering pace since taking the reins in the Seattle front office in 2015, and while there is still work to be done, the future looks bright thanks to a loaded farm system.

That system produced AL Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis and Gold Glove winner Evan White last year, and there's plenty more homegrown prospect talent on the way, led by potential ace Logan Gilbert and catcher Cal Raleigh, who could both debut in 2021.

Note: Gilbert (0.9) and Raleigh (0.1) are not on the 40-man roster, but they were added to the projected WAR total since they are homegrown.

26. Detroit Tigers (2020 Rank: 29)

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

Spencer Turnbull

Opening Day Roster: 9/26

• SP Spencer Turnbull (2.0), SP Tarik Skubal (1.4), RP Buck Farmer (0.3), RP Joe Jimenez (0.2), RP Tyler Alexander (0.1), RP Bryan Garcia (0.1), IF Harold Castro (-0.1), C Grayson Greiner, RP Gregory Soto

40-Man Roster: 17/40

• SP Casey Mize (1.2), SP Matt Manning (0.8), SP/RP Beau Burrows, SP Alex Faedo, RP Kyle Funkhouser, OF Derek Hill, RP John Schreiber, OF Christin Stewart

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 6.1

The Detroit Tigers could eventually have an entirely homegrown starting rotation of Casey Mize, Matt Manning, Tarik Skubal, Spencer Turnbull and Beau Burrows, and all five of those pitchers figure to see the majors in some capacity in 2021.

There's a glaring lack of homegrown position-player talent, especially with Christin Stewart failing to live up to expectations. The additions of Spencer Torkelson and Dillon Dingler at the top of their 2020 draft class will help.

Note: Torkelson (0.1) is not on the 40-man roster, but he was added to the projected WAR total since he is homegrown.

25. San Francisco Giants (2020 Rank: 21)

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

Buster Posey

Opening Day Roster: 7/26

• C Buster Posey (2.1), 1B Brandon Belt (1.7), SP Logan Webb (1.6), SS Brandon Crawford (0.9), OF Austin Slater (0.6), RP Tyler Rogers (0.3), RP Reyes Moronta (0.2)

40-Man Roster: 15/40

• C Joey Bart (0.2), SP Tyler Beede (0.2), RP Caleb Baragar (-0.1), RP Camilo Doval (-0.1), OF Steven Duggar (-0.1), OF Alexander Canario, SP Kervin Castro, RP Conner Menez

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 8.1

Buster Posey, Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford are all entering the final guaranteed year of their contracts in 2021, which not only means there's a ton of money coming off the books for a young team on the rise, but it also represents a changing of the guard for the San Francisco Giants.

Joey Bart is the catcher of the future and the headliner of the farm system, and a wealth of talent sits in the lower levels of the minors that represents the next homegrown wave. Don't be surprised if teenage shortstop Marco Luciano is one of baseball's top five-10 prospects by the end of 2021.

Note: Sean Hjelle (0.6) is not on the 40-man roster, but he was added to the projected WAR total since he is homegrown.

24. Texas Rangers (2020 Rank: 26)

Roger Steinman/Associated Press

Joey Gallo

Opening Day Roster: 9/26

• RF Joey Gallo (2.2), RP Jose Leclerc (0.9), RP Jonathan Hernandez (0.6), RP Brett Martin (0.6), CF Leody Taveras (0.4), RP Wes Benjamin (0.3), SS Isiah Kiner-Falefa (0.1), C Jose Trevino (-0.1), 2B Rougned Odor

40-Man Roster: 19/40

• SP Kyle Cody (1.1), SP Joe Palumbo (0.9), SP John King (0.7), SP Tyler Phillips (0.3), RP Demarcus Evans (0.1), C David Garcia, 1B Ronald Guzman, C Sam Huff, SP Yerry Rodriguez, SS Anderson Tejeda

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 8.1

As the Texas Rangers get the ball rolling on a rebuild, there's a good chance Joey Gallo, Jose Leclerc and Rougned Odor will all soon move elsewhere.

The organization has struggled to develop pitching in recent years, and that will be put to the test in 2021 with a number of arms looking to push their way into the MLB picture. On the offensive side, center fielder Leody Taveras and third baseman Josh Jung have a chance to be homegrown stars.

23. Pittsburgh Pirates (2020 Rank: 18)

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Ke'Bryan Hayes

Opening Day Roster: 10/26

• 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes (2.9), C Jacob Stallings (1.7), SP JT Brubaker (1.6), SP Mitch Keller (1.4), 2B Adam Frazier (1.2), SP Chad Kuhl (0.9), IF Kevin Newman (0.3), RF Gregory Polanco (-0.2), IF/OF Cole Tucker (-0.3), OF Jared Oliva (-0.4)

40-Man Roster: 16/40

• SP Max Kranick (-0.1), IF Rodolfo Castro, RP Blake Cederlind, RP Geoff Hartlieb, RP Nick Mears, RP Edgar Santana

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 9.1

The small-market Pittsburgh Pirates are as reliant on low-cost, homegrown talent as any team, and their inability to lock up star-caliber players long term or afford impact players in free agency means they need a steady stream of in-house reinforcements.

Ke'Bryan Hayes could be the team's best all-around player since Andrew McCutchen, and it's still too early to give up on Mitch Keller's transformation into a front-line starter. A lot of young guys will get a chance to prove themselves in Pittsburgh the next few years.

Note: Clay Holmes (0.1) is not on the 40-man roster, but he was added to the projected WAR total since he is homegrown.

22. Colorado Rockies (2020 Rank: 7)

Associated Press

Trevor Story

Opening Day Roster: 14/26

• SS Trevor Story (3.9), SP Jon Gray (2.1), SP Kyle Freeland (1.5), SP Antonio Senzatela (1.2), RF Charlie Blackmon (0.9), 2B Brendan Rodgers (0.6), 3B Ryan McMahon (0.5), C Dom Nunez (0.4), RP Carlos Estevez (0.2), LF Raimel Tapia (-0.1), IF/OF Garrett Hampson (-0.2), CF Sam Hilliard (-0.6), 1B Josh Fuentes (-0.9), OF Yonathan Daza

40-Man Roster: 25/40

• 3B Colton Welker (0.3), RP Scott Oberg (0.1), IF Bret Boswell (-0.2), SP Ryan Castellani (-0.4), RP Ben Bowden, RP Tommy Doyle, SP Lucas Gilbreath, SP Peter Lambert, RP Justin Lawrence, SP Helcris Olivarez, SP Antonio Santos

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 9.3

The Colorado Rockies are hindered by a clueless front office that either refuses to spend or spends poorly when the purse strings have been loosened, putting a ton of pressure on the homegrown talent to develop into key contributors.

With Nolan Arenado traded, and shortstop Trevor Story and starter Jon Gray both headed for free agency next winter, the door is closing on the core that led the team to back-to-back postseason appearances in 2017 and 2018. A thin farm system and the team's inability to develop pitching talent will be a significant issue down the line.

21. Tampa Bay Rays (2020 Rank: 14)

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Brandon Lowe

Opening Day Roster: 5/26

• 2B Brandon Lowe (2.8), CF Kevin Kiermaier (1.9), RP Diego Castillo (1.1), SP Josh Fleming (1.0), IF Mike Brosseau (0.5)

40-Man Roster: 14/40

• SP Brent Honeywell (0.6), SP Brendan McKay (0.4), SP/RP Shane McClanahan (0.4), IF Vidal Brujan (0.1), SP Yonny Chirinos, C Ronaldo Hernandez, OF Josh Lowe, SP Drew Strotman, SS Taylor Walls

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 9.8

It's a bit surprising to see the Tampa Bay Rays so low on these rankings given their small-market status and proven track record of player development.

With 15 players acquired via trade projected for spots on the Opening Day roster, they have utilized their homegrown talent on the trade market extremely well in recent years. A new influx of homegrown talent is on the way, with uber-prospect Wander Franco and fellow middle infielder Vidal Brujan leading the charge.

Note: Wander Franco (0.8) and Joe Ryan (0.2) are not on the 40-man roster, but they were added to the projected WAR total since they are homegrown.

20. Cincinnati Reds (2020 Rank: 25)

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Tyler Mahle

Opening Day Roster: 12/26

• SP Tyler Mahle (2.1), LF Jesse Winker (1.6), C Tucker Barnhart (1.3), SP/RP Michael Lorenzen (1.2), SP/PR Tejay Antone (1.1), RP Amir Garrett (0.7), IF/OF Nick Senzel (0.7), 1B Joey Votto (0.6), C Tyler Stephenson (0.5), RP Sal Romano (0.2), RP Ryan Hendrix (0.1), OF Aristides Aquino

40-Man Roster: 17/40

• SP Vladimir Gutierrez (0.1), IF Alex Blandino (-0.1), SS Jose Garcia (-0.3), SP Tony Santillan, SP Jared Solomon

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 9.8

The Cincinnati Reds lack a homegrown star now that Joey Votto is on the downswing of his career, but they have a deep enough collection of contributors to claim a spot in the middle third of these rankings.

Pitchers Michael Lorenzen and Tejay Antone will be major X-factors in 2021 given their ability to pitch in multiple roles, while a long-awaited breakout season from Nick Senzel would do a lot in boosting an offense that disappeared in October.

19. Philadelphia Phillies (2020 Rank: 19)

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Aaron Nola

Opening Day Roster: 12/26

• SP Aaron Nola (3.8), 3B Alec Bohm (2.8), 1B Rhys Hoskins (2.4), RP Hector Neris (0.4), CF Scott Kingery (0.1), RP Connor Brogdon (0.1), RP Ranger Suarez (0.1), C Andrew Knapp (0.1), OF Mickey Moniak (-0.3), OF Roman Quinn (-0.3), OF Adam Haseley, RP JoJo Romero

40-Man Roster: 23/40

• SP Spencer Howard (0.8), SP Damon Jones (0.1), RP Kyle Dohy, RP Seranthony Dominguez, SP Bailey Falter, RP Mauricio Llovera, C Rafael Marchan, IF Nick Maton, SP Adonis Medina, SP Francisco Morales, OF Simon Muzziotti

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 10.1

Third baseman Alec Bohm debuted with a bang in 2020, hitting .338/.400/.481 in 180 plate appearances to finish runner-up in NL Rookie of the Year voting. He's just scratched the surface of his offensive potential and could quickly develop into a cornerstone player for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Meanwhile, Aaron Nola is a bona fide ace and right-hander Spencer Howard has the talent to join him atop the rotation in short order once he gets comfortable in the big leagues. Will this be the year we see 2016 No. 1 overall pick Mickey Moniak in the majors?

18. Baltimore Orioles (2020 Rank: 24)

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John Means

Opening Day Roster: 10/26

• SP John Means (2.0), CF Austin Hays (1.7), 1B Ryan Mountcastle (1.6), DH Trey Mancini (1.4), SP Keegan Akin (1.0), RP Tanner Scott (1.0), LF DJ Stewart (0.6), C Chance Sisco (0.3), OF Cedric Mullins (0.3), RP Hunter Harvey (0.1)

40-Man Roster: 14/40

• SP Zac Lowther (0.4), SP Michael Baumann (0.2), OF Ryan McKenna, SP Alex Wells

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 10.9

The Baltimore Orioles have seemingly hit on a number of first-round picks in recent years, taking Ryan Mountcastle (2015), DL Hall (2017), Grayson Rodriguez (2018) and Adley Rutschman (2019) to help restock their farm system amid an ongoing rebuild.

Left-hander Keegan Akin, right-hander Michael Baumann and outfielder Cedric Mullins are among the players to watch in 2021 as the team continues to assess its in-house talent while waiting on the arrival of some of its top prospects.

Note: Adley Rutschman (0.3) is not on the 40-man roster, but he was added to the projected WAR total since he is homegrown.

17. Milwaukee Brewers (2020 Rank: 20)

Ashley Landis/Associated Press

Brandon Woodruff

Opening Day Roster: 7/26

• SP Brandon Woodruff (3.7), SP Corbin Burnes (2.9), 1B Keston Hiura (1.4), SS Orlando Arcia (0.9), RP Devin Williams (0.8), RP Brent Suter (0.5), OF Tyrone Taylor (-0.1)

40-Man Roster: 12/40

• SP/RP Drew Rasmussen (0.7), SP Alec Bettinger (0.2), C Mario Feliciano, RP Dylan File, OF Corey Ray

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 11.0

The homegrown trio of Brandon Woodruff, Corbin Burnes and Devin Williams anchored the Milwaukee Brewers pitching staff in 2020, and the team will lean on them heavily once again during the upcoming season.

Keston Hiura failed to deliver on lofty expectations in his second big league season, but the elite hit tool and sneaky power that gave him the look of a rising star in 2019 remains. Don't sleep on right-hander Drew Rasmussen, who could thrive in a hybrid role similar to Woodruff and Burnes when they first reached the majors before eventually joining the rotation.

16. Chicago White Sox (2020 Rank: 22)

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Luis Robert

Opening Day Roster: 13/26

• CF Luis Robert (3.4), SS Tim Anderson (2.6), 2B Nick Madrigal (2.3), RP Aaron Bummer (1.0), SP Carlos Rodon (0.9), RP Codi Heuer (0.4), C Zack Collins (0.3), RP Garrett Crochet (0.2), RP Jace Fry (0.2), IF Danny Mendick (0.2), RP Matt Foster (-0.1), OF Micker Adolfo (-0.2), OF Adam Engel

40-Man Roster: 22/40

• SP Jonathan Stiever (0.2), RP Bernardo Flores (0.1), RP Zack Burdi, 3B Jake Burger, OF Luis Gonzalez, RP Tyler Johnson, SP Jimmy Lambert, 1B Gavin Sheets, C Seby Zavala

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 11.5

The Chicago White Sox don't have as much homegrown talent as some might think since Eloy Jimenez, Yoan Moncada, Lucas Giolito, Dylan Cease and Michael Kopech were all acquired via trade while they were still prospects.

That said, the trio of Luis Robert, Tim Anderson and Nick Madrigal figure to be staples in the lineup for years, and they'll soon be joined by 2019 first-round pick Andrew Vaughn. On the pitching side, there might not be a more underrated reliever in the game than sinkerballer Aaron Bummer.

15. New York Yankees (2020 Rank: 10)

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Aaron Judge

Opening Day Roster: 7/26

• RF Aaron Judge (4.5), SP Jordan Montgomery (2.2), C Gary Sanchez (1.3), C Kyle Higashioka (0.9), 1B Mike Ford (0.2), RP Nick Nelson, IF Tyler Wade

40-Man Roster: 18/40

• SP Luis Severino (1.9), SP Deivi Garcia (1.5), SP Clarke Schmidt (0.3), OF Estevan Florial (-0.1), 3B Miguel Andujar, IF Thairo Estrada, SP Yoendrys Gomez, RP Brooks Kriske, SP Luis Medina, SS Oswald Peraza, SP Alexander Vizcaino

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 12.7

The decline of Gary Sanchez and uncertainty of when Luis Severino will return from Tommy John surgery takes a significant bite out of the New York Yankees' projected homegrown WAR total.

That said, they still have a superstar at the top of the list in slugger Aaron Judge, as well as rising pitching talent in Deivi Garcia and Clarke Schmidt, who could both be locked into rotation spots before the 2021 season ends.

14. Washington Nationals (2020 Rank: 13)

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Juan Soto

Opening Day Roster: 9/26

• RF Juan Soto (6.0), SP Stephen Strasburg (3.6), CF Victor Robles (1.7), 3B Carter Kieboom (1.0), SP/RP Austin Voth (0.2), RP Wander Suero (0.2), 1B Ryan Zimmerman (0.1), IF Jake Noll (-0.2), OF Andrew Stevenson (-0.2)

40-Man Roster: 17/40

• SP/RP Erick Fedde (0.3), SP Joan Adon, SS Yasel Antuna, C Tres Barrera, SP Ben Braymer, RP Steven Fuentes, IF Luis Garcia, RP Seth Romero

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 12.7

Most expected Victor Robles to be the future face of the franchise for the Washington Nationals while he was rising the minor league ranks, and though he still has plenty of time to improve, Juan Soto undoubtedly carries that mantle.

The Nationals have the worst farm system in baseball, but they do have promising young talent in infielders Luis Garcia and Carter Kieboom and right-hander Erick Fedde. Those three could all fill significant roles on the MLB roster at some point in 2021.

13. Chicago Cubs (2020 Rank: 12)

Tony Dejak/Associated Press

Kris Bryant

Opening Day Roster: 8/26

• 3B Kris Bryant (2.9), SS Javier Baez (2.6), CF Ian Happ (2.4), C Willson Contreras (1.9), 2B Nico Hoerner (1.1), SP Adbert Alzolay (0.8), IF David Bote (0.8), RP Duane Underwood Jr.

40-Man Roster: 18/40

• SP Cory Abbott (0.2), SP Brailyn Marquez (0.1), C Miguel Amaya, RP Dillon Maples, SP Tyson Miller, 3B Christopher Morel, RP James Norwood, RP Manuel Rodriguez, SP Justin Steele, SP Keegan Thompson

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 12.8

The Chicago Cubs have begun dismantling the homegrown core that helped them win a World Series title in 2016, starting with the decision to non-tender Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora Jr. at the start of the offseason.

Kris Bryant and Javier Baez are both free agents after the 2021 season, and there's still a solid chance Bryant will be traded before this offseason winds to a close. There is work to do in retooling the roster, but there is also a promising potential future core rising the ranks in Brailyn Marquez, Miguel Amaya, Brennen Davis and 2020 first-round pick Ed Howard.

12. Los Angeles Angels (2020 Rank: 16)

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Mike Trout

Opening Day Roster: 6/26

• CF Mike Trout (7.5), 2B David Fletcher (2.1), SP Griffin Canning (1.7), RF Jared Walsh (1.2), IF Taylor Ward (0.2), SP/RP Jaime Barria (0.2)

40-Man Roster: 12/40

• OF Jo Adell (0.4), SP Jose Suarez (0.1), OF Brandon Marsh, SP Chris Rodriguez, 1B Matt Thaiss, SP Hector Yan

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 13.4

The Los Angeles Angels' spot in these rankings is propped up by the 7.5 WAR projected for Mike Trout. Based on his track record, that projection actually seems pessimistic, as he finished with a higher WAR in seven of his eight full seasons prior to 2020.

David Fletcher is an underrated player with elite contact skills and valuable versatility, Jared Walsh made a splash down the stretch, Griffin Canning is capable of being a solid No. 3 starter if he can stay healthy, and anyone ready to give up on Jo Adell is a fool.

11. St. Louis Cardinals (2020 Rank: 5)

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Jack Flaherty

Opening Day Roster: 13/26

• SP Jack Flaherty (3.3), SS Paul DeJong (3.1), CF Harrison Bader (1.8), SP Carlos Martinez (1.4), LF Dylan Carlson (1.3), 2B Tommy Edman (1.3), C Andrew Knizner (0.9), SP/RP Daniel Ponce de Leon (0.6), RP Alex Reyes (0.6), RP Jordan Hicks (0.4), IF Matt Carpenter (0.3), RP Ryan Helsley (0.1), IF Edmundo Sosa (-0.2)

40-Man Roster: 20/40

• RP Junior Fernandez, C Ivan Herrera, SP Dakota Hudson, SP Johan Oviedo, SP Angel Rondon, RP Kodi Whitley, SP Jake Woodford

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 14.9

The St. Louis Cardinals had a spot inside the top 10 in these rankings before homegrown left-hander Austin Gomber was included in the Nolan Arenado blockbuster. They're probably fine with checking in at No. 11 instead and adding one of the best players in baseball to their lineup.

Despite a generous payroll, the Cardinals have long been one of the best teams in baseball at identifying and developing talent. Not only have they hit on early picks like Jack Flaherty and Dylan Carlson, but they have also uncovered diamonds in the rough time and again. Tommy Edman (sixth round), Daniel Ponce de Leon (ninth round) and Matt Carpenter (13th round) are a few notable examples on the current roster.

Catcher Yadier Molina is expected to re-sign, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network. That will drop the projected WAR for Andrew Knizner, but it should mean a higher homegrown WAR total overall.

10. Oakland Athletics (2020 Rank: 15)

Mary Altaffer/Associated Press

Matt Chapman and Matt Olson

Opening Day Roster: 7/26

• 3B Matt Chapman (5.2), 1B Matt Olson (3.4), C Sean Murphy (2.7), SP Daulton Jefferies (1.4), IF Chad Pinder (1.4), RP Lou Trivino (0.5), 1B/OF Seth Brown (-0.4)

40-Man Roster: 13/40

• SP A.J. Puk (1.0), RP Wandisson Charles (-0.1), 1B/OF Greg Deichmann (-0.1), OF Luis Barrera, OF Skye Bolt, RP Miguel Romero

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 15.1

There's a strong case to be made that Matt Olson and Matt Chapman are the best corner infield tandem in baseball, though the new-look duo in St. Louis will have something to say about that. Both homegrown players in Oakland are free agents after the 2023 season, so they should be together for at least a few more seasons.

Catcher Sean Murphy already looks like one of the best two-way players in the game at his position, and he'll be tasked with anchoring a young pitching staff. Daulton Jefferies and the oft-injured A.J. Puk both look like potential X-factors for this year's rotation.

Note: Parker Dunshee (0.1) is not on the 40-man roster, but he was added to the projected WAR total since he is homegrown.

9. Boston Red Sox (2020 Rank: 8)

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Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts

Opening Day Roster: 8/26

• SS Xander Bogaerts (4.2), 3B Rafael Devers (3.8), C Christian Vazquez (2.6), LF Andrew Benintendi (1.6), RP Matt Barnes (1.1), 1B Bobby Dalbec (0.9), IF/OF Michael Chavis (0.2), RP Darwinzon Hernandez (0.1)

40-Man Roster: 12/40

• SP Tanner Houck (0.7), RP Eduard Bazardo, SP Jay Groome, SP Bryan Mata

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 15.3

The early returns from slugger Bobby Dalbec and right-hander Tanner Houck were extremely promising, and the relatively thin Boston Red Sox farm system has more MLB-ready talent on the horizon. Right-hander Bryan Mata has the fastball-slider to be a dominant bullpen force and the upside to be a quality starter, while Jarren Duran could be the long-term answer in center field.

For now, Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers stand as one of the best homegrown duos in the sport, and their projected WAR alone is higher than five entire teams' homegrown WAR totals.

Note: Jarren Duran (0.1) is not on the 40-man roster, but he was added to the projected WAR total since he is homegrown.

8. Kansas City Royals (2020 Rank: 11)

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Adalberto Mondesi

Opening Day Roster: 15/26

• SS Adalberto Mondesi (2.6), C Salvador Perez (2.5), RF Whit Merrifield (2.0), SP Danny Duffy (1.7), SP Brady Singer (1.7), 3B Hunter Dozier (1.6), SP Kris Bubic (1.6), SP/RP Jakob Junis (0.8), 2B Nicky Lopez (0.7), C Cam Gallagher (0.5), RP Josh Staumont (0.3), RP Greg Holland (0.1), RP Richard Lovelady, 1B Ryan O'Hearn, RP Kyle Zimmer

40-Man Roster: 25/40

• SP Carlos Hernandez (0.3), OF Nick Heath (-0.1), SP Scott Blewett, OF Khalil Lee, RP Jake Newberry, C Sebastian Rivero, SP Daniel Tillo, C Meibrys Viloria, SP Angel Zerpa, RP Tyler Zuber

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 16.4

The Kansas City Royals won a World Series title with a homegrown core that included Alex Gordon, Salvador Perez, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Danny Duffy, Yordano Ventura, Greg Holland and Kelvin Herrera. If they are going to return to that level of contention, homegrown talent will be the driving force once again.

Brady Singer and Kris Bubic broke through in 2020, and fellow 2018 draft selections Jackson Kowar and Daniel Lynch could join them in the MLB rotation in short order. Bobby Witt Jr. (2019 first-round pick) and Asa Lacy (2020 first-round pick) both have star potential down on the farm as well.

Note: Jackson Kowar (0.1) is not on the 40-man roster, but he was added to the projected WAR total since he is homegrown.

7. Toronto Blue Jays (2020 Rank: 17)

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

Bo Bichette

Opening Day Roster: 8/26

• SS Bo Bichette (4.3), 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (3.2), 3B Cavan Biggio (2.9), C Danny Jansen (2.2), SP Nate Pearson (2.2), DH Rowdy Tellez (1.1), RP Jordan Romano (0.5), RP Ryan Borucki (0.2)

40-Man Roster: 17/40

• C Alejandro Kirk (0.9), SP T.J. Zeuch (0.1), C Riley Adams, OF Jonathan Davis, SS Otto Lopez, C Gabriel Moreno, RP Patrick Murphy, OF Josh Palacios, RP Ty Tice

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 17.6

The one-two punch of Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has had Toronto Blue Jays fans excited since long before they arrived in the majors, and we have yet to see the best that either young player has to offer in their short time with the big club.

The biggest X-factor for the upcoming season as the Blue Jays try to return to the postseason will be pitching, and Nate Pearson checks all the boxes to be the future ace of the staff. He struggled with his command in 2020, nibbling too much rather than trusting his high-octane stuff, but don't be surprised if he takes a major step forward.

6. Cleveland (2020 Rank: 6)

Ron Schwane/Associated Press

Jose Ramirez

Opening Day Roster: 9/26

• 3B Jose Ramirez (5.7), SP Shane Bieber (5.2), SP Zach Plesac (1.9), C Roberto Perez (1.6), RP James Karinchak (1.5), SP Aaron Civale (1.4), SP Triston McKenzie (1.4), SP/RP Adam Plutko (0.1), RP Kyle Nelson (-0.1)

40-Man Roster: 19/40

• OF Bradley Zimmer (0.2), 3B Nolan Jones (0.1), SP Eli Morgan (0.1), 1B Bobby Bradley, IF Yu Chang, SS Ernie Clement, SP Sam Hentges, RP Cam Hill, SP Jean Carlos Mejia, SP Carlos Vargas

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 19.1

It's shocking that Cleveland maintained its No. 6 spot in the rankings even after trading homegrown superstar Francisco Lindor to the New York Mets.

The emergence of young pitchers Shane Bieber, Zach Plesac, Aaron Civale, Triston McKenzie and James Karinchak helped bridge the WAR gap, and the team will be leaning even more heavily on the pitching staff this year with one of its biggest offensive weapons no longer around.

5. Atlanta Braves (2020 Rank: 9)

John Amis/Associated Press

Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuna Jr.

Opening Day Roster: 10/26

• RF Ronald Acuna Jr. (5.7), 1B Freddie Freeman (4.5), 2B Ozzie Albies (3.9), SP Ian Anderson (1.5), 3B Austin Riley (1.5), SP Kyle Wright (0.9), RP A.J. Minter (0.6), CF Cristian Pache (0.2), IF Johan Camargo (0.1), RP Jacob Webb (-0.1)

40-Man Roster: 19/40

• SP Mike Soroka (1.9), SP Bryse Wilson (0.4), SP Tucker Davidson (0.2), SP Patrick Weigel (-0.1), C William Contreras, SP Jasseel De La Cruz, SP Kyle Muller, RP Chad Sobotka, RP Jeremy Walker

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 21.2

The Atlanta Braves jump into the top five in the rankings thanks in large part to Ian Anderson, Kyle Wright and Austin Riley all establishing themselves as MLB regulars and potential impact players for a team already loaded with young talent.

The 1.9-WAR projection for Mike Soroka paints an optimistic picture of his return from a torn Achilles, though he's still expected to be sidelined to start the year. Will Cristian Pache break camp as the everyday center fielder, or will the team add to the outfield contingent before the offseason is over?

4. New York Mets (2020 Rank: 4)

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Jacob deGrom

Opening Day Roster: 11/26

• SP Jacob deGrom (5.9), RF Michael Conforto (3.3), 2B Jeff McNeil (3.0), CF Brandon Nimmo (2.8), 1B Pete Alonso (2.7), SP David Peterson (1.3), LF Dominic Smith (1.3), RP Seth Lugo (0.7), IF Luis Guillorme (0.4), RP Jeurys Familia (0.1), C Tomas Nido (0.1)

40-Man Roster: 16/40

• RP Robert Gsellman (0.1), C/1B Patrick Mazeika, SP Corey Oswalt, C Ali Sanchez, SP Thomas Szapucki

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 21.7

Even with homegrown infielders Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez shipped to Cleveland in the Francisco Lindor blockbuster, the New York Mets still hold their spot at No. 4 in these rankings.

The emergence of David Peterson as a part of the starting rotation helps, along with the continued development of Dominic Smith and Michael Conforto into elite offensive players. There's not much in the way of MLB-ready talent in the farm system, with most of their top prospects still in the lower levels of the minors, but the current homegrown group is among the best in baseball.

3. Minnesota Twins (2020 Rank: 3)

Jim Mone/Associated Press

Byron Buxton

Opening Day Roster: 15/26

• CF Byron Buxton (3.6), SP Jose Berrios (3.2), RF Max Kepler (3.1), IF Luis Arraez (2.4), 1B Miguel Sano (2.2), 2B Jorge Polanco (2.0), C Ryan Jeffers (1.5), RP Taylor Rogers (1.4), C Mitch Garver (1.3), SP Randy Dobnak (1.2), LF Alex Kirilloff (1.1), RP Tyler Duffey (0.7), RP Lewis Thorpe (0.5), RP Cody Stashak (0.3), 1B/OF Brent Rooker (0.2)

40-Man Roster: 22/40

• SP Jordan Balazovic (0.1), OF LaMonte Wade Jr. (0.1), IF Travis Blankenhorn, SP Edwar Colina, IF Nick Gordon, SP Bailey Ober, C Ben Rortvedt

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 24.9

The Minnesota Twins are tied with two other teams for the most projected homegrown players on their projected Opening Day roster with 15. That has been a strength throughout their recent run of success dating back to AL MVP winners Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, who both came up through their system.

The emergence of Ryan Jeffers has seemingly moved him ahead of Mitch Garver, who is just a year removed from a 31-homer season that won him a Silver Slugger, on the depth chart at catcher. That's a great problem to have at a time when the sport is largely devoid of impact catchers.

2. Houston Astros (2020 Rank: 1)

Eric Christian Smith/Associated Press

Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa

Opening Day Roster: 11/26

• 3B Alex Bregman (6.0), SS Carlos Correa (4.6), 2B Jose Altuve (3.6), RF Kyle Tucker (3.5), SP Lance McCullers Jr. (2.8), SP Framber Valdez (2.6), SP Jose Urquidy (1.4), CF Myles Straw (1.1), SP Cristian Javier (0.7), IF Abraham Toro (0.1), RP Enoli Paredes

40-Man Roster: 24/40

• SP Luis Garcia (0.3), SP Tyler Ivey (0.2), OF Chas McCormick (0.2), SP Forrest Whitley (0.2), SP Brandon Bielak (0.1), C Garrett Stubbs (0.1), RP Bryan Abreu, SP/RP Josh James, 1B/OF Taylor Jones, SS Freudis Nova, SP Nivaldo Rodriguez, SP Jairo Solis, SP Peter Solomon

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 27.5

The departure of George Springer is enough to knock the Houston Astros out of the No. 1 spot in these rankings, but they don't fall far thanks to the infield trio of Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve, along with an emerging star in Kyle Tucker.

The organization is loaded with power arms with varying levels of upside. None has a higher ceiling than Forrest Whitley, who still has the potential to be the future ace of the staff once Zack Greinke and Justin Verlander depart. Left-hander Framber Valdez raised his profile in 2020, and a healthy season from Jose Urquidy could mean a breakout performance.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (2020 Rank: 2)

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Cody Bellinger

Opening Day Roster: 15/26

• CF Cody Bellinger (5.4), SS Corey Seager (5.3), SP Walker Buehler (3.8), SP Clayton Kershaw (3.5), SP Julio Urias (2.2), C Will Smith (2.1), SP Dustin May (1.8), IF Gavin Lux (1.4), SP Tony Gonsolin (0.9), RP Kenley Jansen (0.6), 3B Edwin Rios (0.3), RP Victor Gonzalez (0.3), IF/OF Matt Beaty (0.1), IF/OF Zach McKinstry (-0.2), OF DJ Peters (-0.2)

40-Man Roster: 24/40

• SP Mitch White (0.3), C Keibert Ruiz (0.1), RP Dennis Santana (0.1), SP Geraldo Carrillo, RP Caleb Ferguson, SP Andre Jackson, OF Zach Reks, RP Josh Sborz, SP Edwin Uceta

Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 27.8

There are really no major additions to this group relative to last year's projections. In fact, a pair of notable homegrown players have departed in outfielder Joc Pederson and setup reliever Pedro Baez.

However, Corey Seager, Julio Urias, Will Smith, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Edwin Rios and Victor Gonzalez all have higher WAR projections for the 2021 season, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers vault into the No. 1 spot on the heels of a World Series title.

For all the money they have at their disposal, homegrown talent is the backbone of the Dodgers' success.

All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference and FanGraphs.